PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY www.ausa.org September 18, 2025 | AUSA Extra 1 Lethal squads still pivotal in future fight A s the Army’s transformation in contact initiative grows, leaders in the units selected should have solid training manage- ment skills and be “good at the ba- sics” needed for the close fight, the Army’s top leaders said. In remarks Sept. 9 at the Maneuver Warfighter Conference at Fort Ben- ning, Georgia, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer discussed the initiative, which puts new tech- nology in the hands of soldiers to test, evaluate and provide feedback on what works or doesn’t work and how it can be used in combat. Transformation in contact, which began in early 2024, takes place over an 18- to 24-month period and is now Spc. Daniel Momotic, assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, sets up a simulated M18 Clay- more mine while participating in Expert Infantry and Expert Soldier Badge testing on Monday at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. (U.S. ARMY/SGT. KAMMEN TAYLOR) Army Updates Soldier Appearance Rules 3 AUSA Paper Examines Army Values 4 Family Readiness 2025 Annual Meeting Opportunities 6 Chapter Highlights Sunshine 7 IN THIS ISSUE VOLUME 7 NUMBER 19 SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 in its second iteration. Transforma- tion in contact 2.0 includes combat and sustainment brigades, divisions and corps formations in the Regular Army, Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve. In preparing to lead such a unit at the company level, George told the audience of mostly young armor and infantry officers preparing to take command to “be really good at train- ing management, be really good at the basics.” “There is technology that is going to change inside your formation, but you’re still going to have to be really good at the close fight, you’re still going to have lethal squads and le- thal crews, and it’s going to be your responsibility to make sure that you are setting that up,” George said. To achieve the right balance, George encouraged young leaders to pay attention to how they sched- ule the time needed to train their soldiers and formations on the basic skills needed for close combat. Weimer encouraged young leaders to study the writings and lessons of other soldiers published on the Army website Line of Departure, a hub where soldiers have access to the Army’s branch journals. “After you make sure you’re bril- liant at the basics, go to Line of De- parture, where everybody’s writing, and they’re writing really, really well,” Weimer said, adding that “in- stead of going to Instagram or Snap- chat, go to Line of Departure.”SECURE AMERICA DEPLOY RAPIDLYDOMINATE RELENTLESSLY WITH SPEED AND INTELLIGENCE AUTONOMOUS MISSION-READY DEFENSE SYSTEMS THAT PROTECT, TRAIN, AND DOMINATE ACROSS EVERY DOMAIN. WWW.HARMATTAN.AIwww.ausa.org ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY September 18, 2025 | AUSA Extra 3 670-1 changes aim to reduce confusion, enforce standards T he Army has updated the regulation governing soldiers’ grooming and personal ap- pearance as leaders try to eliminate confusion and standardize how the rules are interpreted. Army Regulation 670-1, the publi- cation that spells out, among other things, how soldiers can wear their hair, makeup and jewelry, what they’re allowed to do with their fin- gernails and where and how tattoos can be displayed, has been reworked “to remove ambiguity,” Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer said. “The force is frustrated with the ambiguous language inside [the] current AR 670-1, which means it is hard to enforce a standard,” Weimer said Sept. 8 in a meeting with report- ers at the Pentagon.. The changes are outlined in a Sept. 12 Army directive signed by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. Sol- diers have 30 days from the date of the directive to meet the appearance, grooming and body composition stan- dards. “The intent of this directive is to reinforce uniformity and disci- pline while fostering consistency and professionalism across the Army,” the directive says. Last updated in 2021, the regula- tion included multiple photos illus- trating examples of the new rules. This time, photos in the publication are limited, “removing the ability to Sgt. Nelson Diaz gives Staff Sgt. Derek Lewis a haircut during the soldiers' as- signment with the 101st Combat Avia- tion Brigade at Rumalyn Landing Zone in northeastern Syria. (U.S. ARMY PHOTO) Brandon De Aguero has been with AUSA for one year and nine months. He is a proud “Hokie,” having gradu- ated from Virginia Tech in 2016. In his spare time, Brandon is an out- door and off-roading enthusiast, as well as an amateur astronomer who enjoys learning about the origins of the universe and our place in it. Meet the AUSA headquarters staff Brandon De Aguero Senior Graphic Designer game the system,” Weimer said. Instead, rules are detailed in writ- ing down to specific inches, milli- meters, diameters, colors and hair- styles so that soldiers and the leaders charged with enforcing the rules have a clear path to compliance, ac- cording to Weimer and the team of senior NCOs involved in the update. For example, women’s ponytails and braids, which are still authorized with utility or physical training uni- forms but prohibited for wear with dress uniforms, can be only 2 inches wide and hang within 6 inches from the top of the collar. Previous guid- ance stipulated that braids and pony- tails could come down to the shoulder blade, a standard that was hard to measure from person to person. The length of men’s hair, specifical- ly the “bulk” at the top of the head, is now maxed out at 2 inches, and fade and taper requirements are stricter. Designs in the hair and asymmetri- cal cuts are prohibited, and hair color must be natural with “no extreme contrasts.” Shaved heads are autho- rized for men and women. Women may wear only clear nail polish, with fingernail length lim- ited to a quarter inch in a square or rounded shape. Previous nail polish guidance stipulated a “neutral color palette,” which was open to wide in- terpretation. Nail polish is prohib- ited for men, whose nails may not extend past the fingertip. “For a lot of males, that's going be something where you're going to have to constantly cut your fingernails and ensure that they're within the standard,” said Sgt. Maj. Christo- pher Stevens, sergeant major for the deputy Army chief of staff for person- nel, G-1. Relying on a “very diverse group of leaders” to go over the rules with a fine-tooth comb, Weimer explained that the project to disambiguate the rules on appearance began in 2023 at the Association of the U.S. Army’s An- nual Meeting and Exposition, when he introduced his Blue Book outlining Army standards and discipline. “It’s either … I’m willing to be com- pliant to what the standard is, or I’m committed to the standard, there is no third option,” Weimer said. “It’s fitness, it’s wearing my uniform properly, it’s how I go to position at parade rest or attention. … Those lit- tle things absolutely matter, because if you can’t do that in peacetime gar- rison, then I’m really worried about what you’re not going to be able to do in a combat situation.” The directive is available here. Key changes are summarized here.www.ausa.org 4 AUSA Extra | September 18, 2025 Gen. Bob Brown, USA Ret. President and CEO, AUSA Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith, USA Ret. Vice President, Leadership and Education, AUSA Luc Dunn Editor Desiree Hurlocker Advertising Manager Advertising Information Contact: Fox Associates Inc. 116 W. Kinzie St. • Chicago, IL 60654 Phone: 800-440-0231 Email: adinfo.rmy@foxrep.com ARTICLES. Articles appearing in AUSA Extra do not necessarily refl ect the opinion of the offi cers or members of the Council of Trustees of AUSA, or its editors. Articles are expres- sions of personal opinion and should not be interpreted as refl ecting the offi cial opinion of the Department of Defense nor of any branch, command, installation or agency of the Depart- ment of Defense. The publication assumes no responsibility for any unsolicited material. Email: extra@ausa.org ADVERTISING. Neither AUSA Extra, nor its publisher, the Association of the United States Army, makes any representations, warranties or endorsements as to the truth and accuracy of the advertisements appearing herein, and no such representations, warranties or en- dorsements should be implied or inferred from the appearance of the advertisements in the publication. The advertisers are solely respon- sible for the contents of such advertisements. MEMBERSHIP RATES. To celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday, from April 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2025, membership rates are reduced to a fi ve-year Premium rate of $50 and a two- year Premium rate of $30. Lifetime member- ship is $250. A special Premium rate of $10 for two years is open to E1–E4 and cadets only. Two-year Basic membership with select ben- efi ts is free. Learn more at www.ausa.org/join . Voice for the Army – Support For the Soldier PERK OF THE WEEK ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY Paper: Army values need reinvention for complexity of modern battlefi eld A s soldiers navigate an in- creasingly complex environ- ment, the Army needs to re- invent its values for the future fi ght, according to a new paper published by the Association of the U.S. Army. “For decades, the U.S. Army has centered its moral and ethical iden- tity on the seven core values [of] loy- alty, duty, respect, selfl ess service, honor, integrity and personal cour- age,” Col. Chaveso Cook writes. But today, “the strategic and societal landscape has changed dramatical- ly,” he writes. “It’s time to ask a hard question: Do the current seven Army values still serve our force—and the nation—as well as they should?” In “Transforming Our Army Val- ues for the Modern Force,” Cook ar- gues that the Army values that the service grouped together in 1995 are due for an upgrade that refl ects the “morally gray zones” that soldiers op- erate in today. Cook is a psychological opera- tions offi cer and a division chief on the Joint Staff’s deputy directorate for global operations. He is a fellow with the LTG (Ret.) James M. Dubik Writing Fellows Program and also was part of the program’s inaugural class. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, Cook has two master’s degrees and a doctorate in human development from Tufts University. To evolve the Army’s current val- ues, which shorten to form the acro- nym LDRSHIP, the service should incorporate them into a new frame- work named LEAD, which highlights loyalty, empathy, adaptability and discipline, Cook writes. The new framework is “clear, con- cise and aligned with the mission and moral complexity of our times,” he writes. “It fi ts naturally with the Army’s core mission: to LEAD in the fi ght to win our nation’s wars.” Though the new framework incor- porates loyalty from the LDRSHIP framework, it also introduces new values such as empathy, which Cook writes “is essential in leading varied teams and operating in culturally complex environments.” To ensure that the new framework goes beyond merely rebranding, “the Army must institutionalize it at ev- ery touchpoint,” Cook writes. The framework could be adopted by fo- cusing professional military educa- tion lessons around LEAD values, integrating LEAD values into evalu- ations and adjusting command cli- mate surveys, among other methods. Evolving the Army’s values will empower soldiers “to make both hard and strategic calls,” Cook writes. “I am not proposing that the Army abandon LDRSHIP to erase tradition. I am arguing that we must evolve it to fulfi ll its intent,” he writes. “A re- examination of our values and the mindset around them will … direct- ly empowe[r] our formations to make both hard and strategic calls with loyalty, empathy, adaptability and discipline in mind. It is time to meet the modern formation on the modern battlefi eld with LEAD.” Read the paper here. A new paper published by AUSA sug- gests that the seven Army values grouped together in 1995 are due for an upgrade. (U.S. ARMY/PFC. FRANCISCO TORRES) Benefi tHub is the world's largest member/employee discount program with exclusive and larger savings, sav- ing members an average of $2,500 per year on deals from thousands of lead- ing brands. And, you now earn cash back rewards when shopping. Visit ausa.benefi thub.com for more. Available on © 2025 JC Technology Made in U.S.A. www.acecomputers.com | (877)-223-2667 | CCS@AceComputers.com High-Performance Desktop Powered by CCS-3 QEBwww.ausa.org 6 AUSA Extra | September 18, 2025 ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY Military and civilian leaders address a Warfighter and Family Forum during the 2024 AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition. (AUSA PHOTO) Find a myriad of family resources at AUSA Annual Meeting E ach year, the Association of the U.S. Army’s Annual Meeting and Exposition is a hallmark event for the Army community, offer- ing many opportunities, programs, resources and connections to enhance the Army journey for soldiers and families. This year’s event at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., will take place Oct. 13–15. During the meeting, the Family Readiness Pavilion in Hall A will feature over 20 exhibitors, each fo- cused on empowering and support- ing Army families. Attendees will discover resources from organizations working tirelessly to offer education, wellness and resilience for loved ones at home and abroad. But the pavilion isn't just about in- formation—it’s a warm and welcom- ing space where families can form new connections, share stories and build a sense of community. AUSA's Family Readiness direc- torate is honored to also host three Warfighter and Family Forums during the Annual Meeting. One of the conference’s key features is the chance to hear directly from Army senior leaders at the popular Senior Leader Fireside Chat. Building on the excitement, this year's meeting will celebrate the release of the second edition of one of AUSA’s most requested family re- sources, Customs, Courtesies & Tra- ditions of the United States Army: A Primer for Family Members. Writ- ten by AUSA Family Fellow Ginger Perkins, the updated edition offers new content, expanded guidance and even more tools to help families con- fidently and proudly embrace Army customs—whether they are new or experienced members of the Army family. Attendees will have the chance to explore the book, meet the author Family Readiness and join discussions honoring the rich heritage and lasting values of Army life. Families and supporters also will receive firsthand insights into pro- grams designed to enhance quality of life, boost readiness and foster re- silience across the Army community. To ensure everyone can participate, AUSA Family Readiness will once again livestream the Warfighter and Family Forums via Facebook. This interactive platform brings the excitement of the Annual Meeting to Army families and communities worldwide. Additionally, AUSA chapters around the world will host watch parties, creating local gatherings where attendees can virtually join the national celebration, share expe- riences and strengthen bonds. The AUSA Annual Meeting is more than just a conference; it reflects the Army's dedication to its families. Whether you're a spouse, parent, child or supporter, there's something for everyone. Featuring the Family Readiness Pavilion, engaging ses- sions with Army leaders and innova- tive ways to connect worldwide, this year's event continues to highlight the strength and resilience of Army families everywhere. Join us as we celebrate, learn and grow together. We look forward to welcoming the Total Army fam- ily and its supporters to this year’s AUSA Annual Meeting. For more information or to regis- ter, click here. Cindy Risch is AUSA's Family Readiness program manager. AUSA Family Fellow Ginger Perkins, right, greets a military spouse at a luncheon during the association's 2024 Annual Meeting and Exposition. (AUSA PHOTO)www.ausa.orgSeptember 18, 2025 | AUSA Extra 7 ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY Synthetic training is ‘big part’ of Army transformation I ncorporating technology and in- struction directly into the mili- tary operational environment will be key to soldier training in the fu- ture, the director of the Army’s Syn- thetic Training Environment Cross- Functional Team said. “We believe that embedded train- ing, connecting systems directly into platforms like the Bradley [Fight- ing Vehicle], will be a major leap forward,” Col. Jason West said dur- ing an Aug. 20 general membership meeting of the Association of the U.S. Army’s Sunshine chapter in Orlan- do, Florida. “When combined with live and vir- tual systems under one training en- vironment, it will allow seamless in- tegration for warfighters,” West said, as reported by Team Orlando News. Attendees at the event included chapter members, defense industry representatives and military lead- ers. “Thank you to AUSA and to our partners for providing this space and opportunity,” West said. West, who has held roles ranging from aviation battalion command to analytical work in operations re- search and wargaming, said that he learned the value of synthetic train- ing only after his assignment to the cross-functional team’s Training Doc- trine Proponent Office at Fort Leav- enworth, Kentucky. He became the director of the Orlando-based Syn- thetic Training Environment Cross- Functional Team in August 2024. “I’ll be honest, I didn’t even know what the Synthetic Training Envi- ronment office was when I was first assigned to it,” West said, as report- ed by Team Orlando News. “But once I got into the work at Fort Leaven- worth, I started to really understand its impact.” West’s presentation also focused on the Army Transformation Initiative, which seeks major changes in how the force is structured, weapons and warfighting platforms, acquisition and divestiture of legacy equipment and formations. “Right now, it takes on average 800 days to push a requirements docu- ment through the system,” whereas in the war in Ukraine, “tactics and technologies are evolving in less than 30 days,” West said, emphasizing the need for speed in streamlining pro- cesses and removing redundancies. He also noted that the merger of Army Futures Command and Army Training and Doctrine Command will align capability development more directly with operational needs. “If we want to deliver faster, we have to reorganize ourselves to be more efficient, more effective and better aligned with the pace of moderniza- tion,” West said, as reported by Team Orlando News. Industry collaboration using soldier touch points and technology integra- tion facilities will be key to the ser- vice’s transformation efforts, he said. Currently, the Synthetic Train- ing Environment Cross-Functional Team has four major focus areas: Next-Generation Constructive simu- lation, experimentation with live and simulated environments, support to wargaming and the Army’s Future Studies Program and embedded training capabilities, West said. “What excites me most is that we’re not just talking about trans- formation, we’re actually doing it,” West said. “The Army is reforming across requirements, resourcing and acquisition, and the synthetic train- ing environment is going to be a big part of that future.” Retired Col. Kevin Vizzarri, left, president of AUSA's Sunshine chapter in Orlando, Florida, presents an AUSA statue to Col. Jason West, director of the Army’s Syn- thetic Training Environment Cross-Func- tional Team. (AUSA PHOTO) Sunshine A soldier assigned to 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, tests a synthetic Stinger missile training system at Fort Polk, Louisiana. 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